President’s Message

Dear Members,

When you are confronted with the results of this past session's legislation in the Trial Courts, you are not alone. When it is used, we will be there to aid in the fight. As an Association we rely upon each other to not only report to our community instances where the impact of this legislation is being felt, but also to provide assistance to each other when challenging these laws. The expertise and experience available through our network of members is enormous and an invaluable resource to both the sole practitioner and the member of a large firm. We’re here to help each other, whether it simply be through a response to a listserv question, co-counseling a case, or submitting an amicus brief.

Statutes change, common law evolves, and even our Constitution can be amended. Justice, however, remains timeless no matter the political circumstances, the occupants of our legislature or governor’s office, or the Judges who come and go. It is only through our shared efforts – reaching out for help when we need it and providing help when asked, that we can ensure a just and fair future for our clients and our broader society. Thank you for what you do.

B. Scott West is the Deputy Public Advocate for the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy in Frankfort, Kentucky; prior to that, Scott was the General Counsel for the agency from 2011 through October 2017. He has been the Bluegrass Regional Manager in the Richmond Field Office, Directing Attorney for the Murray Field Office, and a staff attorney in the Hazard Field Office. For the last 10 years, he has taught search and seizure law, as well as Miranda law, in DPA’s Public Defender College. He is the recipient of the 2017 Kentucky Bar Association’s Thomas B. Spain CLE Award, the 2015 KBA Bruce K. Davis Bar Service Award, the 2014 Kentucky Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Frank E. Haddad, Jr. Award, and 2011 DPA Gideon Award, 2011. He is a member of the KBA Ethics Committee. You may reach him at president@kacdl.net

News

UPDATE: KACDL is pleased with the well-reasoned opinion of the Court and is confident that if appealed, the Appellate Courts will confirm Judge Wingate’s ruling. Before our Constitution can be changed, the voters should be fully informed about the content of the proposed amendment. Find the full ruling here.

Update:Electorate passes constiutional amendment by 63% majority. The Ky Supreme Court has agreed to hear the case. Oral Arguments are scheduled for February 8th at 10 am.